With some patience, good local food and a yoga break, the afternoon came soon enough for our group to move on to wilderness exploration on a nearby lake. Just a short boatride downstream from our Eco-resort Rainforest Expeditions, a lodge focused on sustainability and supporting the local economy, we fished for piranna and spotted native birds in their habitat.

Along with afternoon to evening hikes through the jungle, learning about how lodges like the ones we had stayed at have subplanted most of the previous harmful industries like gold mining and forestry, and just enjoying the simple but chic amenities of our open air room, Liz and I have taken away a true understanding of how conscious living can make a huge impact on our environment.

Next stop Cusco, our guide Simon’s hometown where we’re promised some great food, good parties and probably most important, a hot shower.